Buying glasses online

[dave83]

Hi,

My prescription is cyl -4.0, sphere +0.5 and +1.25 - axis 88 and 95.

I usually get my glasses made online and the optometrist suggested because of KC, the online glasses purchase might not be ideal as a physical shop could measure the lens such that it is centred properly with my eyes. Any thoughts?

The difference in price between an online/shop purchase is significant.

Thanks

[Lia Williams]

The centre of the lens is important for high powered lenses.

My glasses prescription is a complex prescription as it is more than -10 dioptres. When I have bought glasses the mark ups on the selected pair have been done by the dispensing optician rather than the optical assistant to ensure that the prescription is centred correctly in the frame.

I've not tried to buy any glasses online as typically online providers don't sell lenses greater than -8 dioptres.

If you are happy with previous online purchases you may have been lucky that the glasses were centred correctly. And you could be lucky again.

Lia

[dave83]

Thanks - is my prescription high powered?

[Lia Williams]

I think a high myopia prescription is defined as more than - 5 dioptres.

With my prescription I am always recommended to get high index lenses and small frames. With your prescription I would expect that high index lenses, although perhaps not the highest would also be recommended.

Many years ago, as I only ever wore my contact lenses, I once ordered the most basic frames with the cheapest lenses. I was later asked to choose another pair as I wouldn't be able to close the arms of the glasses as the lenses were so thick at the edges. I never did wear the glasses as they were so awful.

Lia

[gsward]

It's critical that you get your PD (Pupillary Distance) measured. It is not routinely written on a prescription, you can ask for this from whoever tested you vision or ask them to add it to your prescription. This is important for you as you have an astigmatism and the position of the centre of the lenses will make a significant difference.

Once you have you PD it doesn't change so you may have it on an old prescription. Some online suppliers will measure it from an old pair of spectacles too.

[dave83]

Thanks - I got my PD measured - its 62.

[gsward]

I would go for a low cost pair then and see how you go.